Click on the Extended Information tab above for more information and a storage temperature and shelf life chart

Heating Technology

The TRUETECH self-heating technology is a simple combination of powdered food grade iron and magnesium, salt, and water.

When water is poured on the heater pad (HeaterMeals food heaters use salt water & MRE heaters use regular water) the Food Heater releases enough heat to warm-up a pre-cooked meal 100 degrees Fahrenheit in approximately 10 minutes.

Spent heaters are biodegradable and easily disposed of, with no toxic materials.

The patented TRUETECH self-heating technology was introduced for use as the Field Ration Heater (FRH) by the U.S. Armed Forces in 1990 to heat Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) for soldiers in the field.

Success lead to practical adaptations of the TRUETECH self-heating technology. In 1994, HeaterMeals Self-Heating, shelf-stable tray Entrees, HeaterMeals Plus Self-Heating Meal Kits (with shelf-stable tray entrees) in the year 2000. In 2006, we developed HeaterMeals 3 Self-Heating Meal Kits (with shelf-stable pouch entrees, and, in 2008, HeaterMeals EX Entrees, designed for Extended Storage of up to 5 years (utilizing advanced shelf-stable, packaging technology in pouches) were made available throughout the U.S. and world markets for use by the public for preparedness and outdoor activities, and for government agencies, businesses, and military units for training exercises, emergency preparedness, and business continuity planning.

To heat HeaterMeals EX Self-Heating Entrees and HeaterMeals 3 Meal Kits in pouches, simply pour the enclosed pouch of water into the food heater pouch to enjoy "A Hot Meal Anytime, Anyplace". A serving tray is included in every HeaterMeals 3 and HeaterMeals EX for "heat and serve" convenience

The TRUETECH self-heating technology is used in the U.S. Armed Forces FRH MRE Heater, HeaterMeals, HeaterMeals Plus meal Kits, HeaterMeals 3 Meal Kits, HeaterMeals EX Entrees, designed for Extended Storage of up to 5 years, and La Briute Kosher Self-Heating meals.

Canning Technology

For generations, the traditional canning method has been: Cook & seal your food; then dip the container in boiling water before storing. HeaterMeals are prepared in a similar method - Like Homestyle Canning, but provide...

Better Storage & Distribution Qualities

Lighter weight

No Can Opener Required

A HeaterMeals food container is filled with pre-cooked food, vacuum sealed, and then the sealed container of food is steamed. This process gives our meals a long shelf-life and helps retain natural juices and flavors. Both the HeaterMeals' food preparation facility, as well as the packaging assembly line are United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected and approved.

Heating Technology

HeaterMeals Lunch & Dinner Tray Entrees have a shelf-life of up to 2 years. HeaterMeals Breakfasts & HeaterMeals Plus with snacks have a shelf-life of up to 1 year.HeaterMeals 3 Pouch Entrees with snacks have a shelf-life of up to 3 years.HeaterMeals EX Lunch & Dinner Pouch Entrees have a shelf-life of up to 5 years.

All HeaterMeals come with a "Please Use By" date stamped on each box.These are recommended consumption dates only - not "safety dates".

This stamped date is up to two years for HeaterMeals Entrees, up to one year for HeaterMeals Plus, and up to three years for HeaterMeals 3, noting the optimum time to eat your HeaterMeals after packaging. Similar to properly stored canned food, HeaterMeals entrees lose a bit of color after the recommended consumption date; but are still nutritious and safe to consume after the date.

The following chart provides guidelines on shelf-life for HeaterMeals Entrees in trays and HeaterMeals 3 Entrees in pouches, when stored under a variety of temperatures. It is sometimes impossible to determine the temperature under which food has been stored, so the longer shelf-life listed can be attainable if the food has been kept under controlled conditions for the entire time period noted.

HeaterMeals 3 Meal Kits and HeaterMeals EX, Designed for EXtended Storage are 12 ounces retort pouch entrees for longer shelf-life. A separate serving dish is included with all HeaterMeals pouch entrees.

SHELF-LIFE

HeaterMeals Tray Entrees

HeaterMeals 3 Pouch Entrees

Sustained StorageTemperatures at degrees Fahrenheit

Estimated Shelf-life (months)

Sustained StorageTemperatures at degrees Fahrenheit

Estimated Shelf-life (months)

60

36

60

105

70

30

70

83

80

24

80

60

90

12

90

42

100

6

100

18

110

3

110

4

120

1

120

1

Important Note:To safeguard shelf-life, HeaterMeals must be stored at 80 degrees Fahrenheit or below. These charts refer to sustained temperatures. Since sustained temperatures are not generally encountered in other-than-air-conditioned facilities, you may be inclined to use maximum or average temperatures. The use of maximum temperatures would yield a conservative estimate, but the use of average temperatures may yield an estimate that is overly optimistic.